The City of Newark proclaimed October 4 through October 10 Fire Prevention Week at the council meeting on October 8. The 2009 Fire Prevention Week theme was "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned".

Fire is a serious safety concern, both locally and nationally, and homes are where people are at greatest risk. Thermal burns outnumber scalds nearly two-to-one but for children ages five and under, the reverse is true, i.e. scalds outnumber burns roughly two-to-one. Statistics reveal cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home-fire injuries and heating equipment and smoking are the main causes of home-fire deaths.

Newark residents can take steps to make their homes and families safe from fire by participating in fire prevention activities at home, work and school. Newark Fire department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all who live and visit the city.

They can support the many public safety activities and efforts of the City of Newark's fire and emergency services. Residents who have planned and practiced an escape plan are more prepared and, therefore, more likely to survive a fire.

Although Fire Prevention Week ended on October 10, Newark Fire Department reminds everyone of the importance of simple actions we should take to stay away from and prevent fire all year-round.